Sunday, January 13, 2013

Caught?

As I wrote in yesterday's Life with Lynnie (LwL) entry, I struggle with life's trials. Just like other people do. I'm no different than you.

However, whenever I am feeling low in spirit, I do what God told me to do. Turn my eyes upon Jesus.

How I love that Hymn entitled, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Especially the part where we sing, Turn your eyes upon Jesus,Look full in His wonderful face,And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,In the light of His glory and grace.

Once I realize that I've taken my focus off Jesus, and onto my problem, I am reminded that I've faltered somewhere along the way.

Am I alone in this? Absolutely, not. No one is perfect. We all falter along the way of life, from time to time.

But, once I've again turned my eyes upon Jesus, I am lifted up. Encouraged. And, filled once again with His love and peace.

God showed us in the book of Matthew chapter 14, that even Peter, Jesus' disciple, needed to be reminded to keep his eyes upon Jesus. Here are verses 22-33, telling us the story:
"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."Just as Jesus caught Peter, He catches us when we falter. As He promised. If we allow Him.

How grateful I am for God's Word. How grateful I am that He gave it to us, so that we can understand better, how to honour and glorify Him. And, to be thankful.

After all, we... in and of ourselves, can do nothing. Every good thing comes from Him. And, for this, I'll be eternally grateful.